This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
This Peanut Butter Cup Fudge is a beautifully smooth and creamy fudge packed with mini peanut butter cups. For serious peanut butter lovers!
I wasn’t planning on posting another recipe featuring mini peanut butter cups so soon after the glorious overindulgence known as Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, but the timing just sort of worked out this way. And also: mini peanut butter cups. And furthermore: fuuuuudge. And in conclusion: YUM.
This is one of my favorite fudge recipes. It’s a “no-beat” fudge, meaning you don’t have to go through the rigmarole of cooking it, cooling it, then beating until your little arm falls off and hoping you get the timing exactly right so that it sets perfectly. Instead, you cook it, stir in some peanut butter, and give yourself giant pats on the back for making such great fudge. The peanut butter adds a nice salty touch, so it’s not too sweet, and unfortunately that means you can eat piece after piece without feeling any pain. If you are a serious peanut butter fan, don’t miss my Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake, Mega Stuffed Peanut Butter Cups and Peanut Butter Cup Popcorn Balls!
🤎 More Easy Candy Recipes
- Easy Microwave Fudge
- Oreo Fudge
- Pumpkin Fudge
- Dirty Coke Fudge
- Champagne White Chocolate Truffles
- Raspberry Truffles
Dude Food Magic Bars
Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
Peanut Butter Cup Fudge
Ingredients
- 6 oz unsalted butter, (12 TBSP), cubed
- 5.25 oz evaporated whole milk, (2/3 cup)
- 21 oz granulated sugar, (3 cups)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 9.75 oz smooth peanut butter, (1 cup)
- 7 oz marshmallow cream, (2 1/3 cup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 7 oz mini peanut butter cups, (1 cup)
Instructions
- Line a 9×9 pan with foil and spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the cubed butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, and gently warm it up until it is mostly melted. Once it is almost completely liquid, add the evaporated milk, the granulated sugar, and the salt, and stir until the sugar dissolves. Wash down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent sugar crystals from forming. Bring the mixture to a boil, and once boiling, insert a candy thermometer. Continue to cook the candy, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 236° Fahrenheit (113°C) on the thermometer.
- Once at 236°F, remove the pan from the heat and add the peanut butter, marshmallow cream, and vanilla extract. Stir until the peanut butter and marshmallow cream are incorporated and everything is completely smooth.
- Pour approximately half of the fudge into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Working quickly, sprinkle half of the miniature peanut butter cups on top of the fudge in the pan. Pour the remaining fudge into the pan, covering the peanut butter cups, and smooth it into an even layer. Sprinkle the rest of the candies on top of the fudge. Once they come into contact with the hot fudge they will start to melt, so try not to disturb them after you’ve sprinkled them on, otherwise the chocolate will smear.
- Let the fudge cool and set at room temperature overnight, or in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. When set, remove the fudge and peel off the foil backing. Use a large sharp knife to cut the fudge into 1-inch pieces to serve. Wrap the fudge well and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For the best taste and texture, bring it to room temperature before serving.
Recipe Notes
MEASURING TIPS
Our recipes are developed using weight measurements, and we highly recommend using a kitchen scale for baking whenever possible. However, if you prefer to use cups, volume measurements are provided as well. PLEASE NOTE: the adage “8 oz = 1 cup” is NOT true when speaking about weight, so don’t be concerned if the measurements don’t fit this formula.
Click here to learn more about baking measurements and conversion.
Elizabeth this is seriously gorgeous fudge. I must try this one. And can I just say we don’t have Trader Joe’s here in Canada but I just happened to buy some of their mini peanut butter cups when we were in Philly. So I can attest to how good they are. Like a thousand times better than any other ones I’ve ever had. I used a different brand for mine and now that I’ve had TJ’s I’m spoiled and nothing else tastes as good.
Kim, I couldn’t agree with you more! It’s like the peanut butter inside is extra-salty and smooth or something. It tastes like real peanuts, and it’s FAB. Other brands just aren’t the same. Obviously you need to plan more vacations around TJ’s proximity!
These look amazing!! I love the idea!!
I wouldnt know where to find the mini peanut butter cups in Spain.. perhaps I could find it here in South Africa while visiting my family..
You guys have everything over there in the US
🙁
Johlene
Flavours and Frosting
XX
Thanks Johlene! Regular peanut butter cups would work too (just chop them up) or hey, chocolate chips or chopped-up candy bars would also be tasty!
One can never have too many recipes for mini peanut butter cups. Especially when one has a tendency to eat the whole bag in one sitting so she’d better have a plan to use them up before that can happen. This fudge – want.
Well, in that hypothetical scenario, one is totally innocent, because no mere mortal can resist mini peanut butter cups. So no worries, the blame falls squarely on the candy!
You just won my heart with this fudge.
This is why we’re friends–an appreciation of the finer things in life. 🙂
OMW. Peanut butter cup fudge? That’s just an amazing little treat! Pinning this. 🙂
Thanks Julie! It’s definitely one of my favorite everyday goodies!
Oh my goodness, don’t apologize! Reeses make everything better! Especially this fudge!
Oh, Muffin! Sweet thing.
Speaking of sweet things, YES to this! I’m enjoying all the creations spurned by impulse candy purchases very much.
Impulse candy purchases are the new editorial calendar-ing!
I can’t get enough mini PB cups!
wow these look incredible! and your photos are beautiful!
Thanks Jenny, and thanks for stopping by!
I tried making fudge one day not too long ago and it was a flop. The kids still ate it but it didn’t stay together and my husband tried throwing it out! I will have to try again and see if it works out for me…love the flavor of this one! 🙂
Boo, bad fudge is the worst! I feel pretty confident in saying this fudge will work for you–the marshmallow cream makes it pretty foolproof and not-fall-apart-able. 🙂 Let me know how it goes if you give it a try!
I’m bummed that I missed out on the auction! Every pitbull I’ve ever known has been a big marshmallow. They’re such sweet dogs! I hope Muffin is doing ok.
Now, on to sweets? This looks amazing. And I actually managed to track down some mini peanut butter cups after seeing your cookie recipe the other day. Not Trader Joe’s, unfortunately – I’m up in Canada where we’re TJ-less. I have an order in with a friend of mine who heads down fairly regularly though. 🙂
A “marshmallow” is the perfect way to describe the pit bulls I’ve known! It’s a shame they have such a bad rep, they can be complete sweeties.
And a BIG high five for the mini pb cups! Once you go mini, you’ll never go back. 🙂 It might be better to not have access to TJ’s, considering I think I’m single-handedly paying the salary of a few of their employees with my frequent trips…
Hi Elizabeth, I was curious about your regular chocolate fudge, can I fold in a peanut butter swirl to make it “peanut butter” chocolate fudge?
Hi Natalie! I’m sorry for the belated reply. I’m not sure which fudge recipe you mean (I have a bunch of chocolate fudge ones!) but in general, a peanut butter fudge swirl should work nicely. The trick is to not use too much peanut butter, otherwise it will be too sticky and not easy to cut. But just a bit of it, swirled throughout, should work well. Let me know how it goes!
I have made this recipe now numerous times! I double the mini peanut butter cups too 😉 I have never gotten so many compliments on one recipe than I have with this one. My piece of advice for those doing this is to get yourself a food scale and weigh the marshmellow and peanut butter. Much easier than using measuring cups for those two ingredients! This recipe though is OUTSTANDING!
Thanks Amy! So glad that you love it! It’s one of my faves too…it’s so easy! I agree that a scale makes things 300% better, as well. 🙂 Cheers!
Where is the recipe?
I just found your great site, and am so happy and eager to explore it! Also, I am looking to replace my old candy thermometer. What brand do you recommend?
Hello, I was wondering if this fudge has to be kept in the fridge or if it can be left at cool room temp?
This is not fudge consistency. I’ve been making chocolate fudge for decades. Followed the recipe using the instructions and it is not set. It’s smooth and stringy. Very dissappointed. It’s basically the same recipe as Fantasy Fudge from the Marshmallow jar, but using PB instead of chocolate chips.
I made a peanut butter fudge last year and poured it on top of my chocolate fudge. It turned out so well that I thought I would do it again this year. I couldn’t remember what recipe I used, so I tried this one. It completely ruined my excellent chocolate fudge and I need to start over.
I’ve never had an issue with fudge and this recipe is flawed. Shame on me for trying a recipe with no reviews to make sure it’s a proper recipe.before spending time and ingredients on it.
I tried to edit my comment, but was unable.
The fudge was not set after leaving it overnight in the fridge. When I got home from work the followng day, I planned to remove it and try a different recipe for the PB layer. It had set, after 18 hours in the fridge. I’m happy that it set, but unsure why it took so much longer than the resipe states.
Hi Erin, I am so sorry to hear it didn’t work out as planned. That is very disappointing! It sounds like you have plenty of experience making fudge, I would love to help you troubleshoot this recipe! Assuming that all the ingredients were measured correctly my question would be if you have had your candy thermometer calibrated recently? I have found that over time they lose there accuracy. It sounds like it could be an easy fix of just a matter of not quite reaching the right temperature. Feel free to email me, and I would love to troubleshoot further with you! Thanks so much for your feedback!